Suzuki is gaining strength at the right time. As mammoth SUVs get an
endless stream of negative media attention, a sidebar gives positive
media reaction to smaller, more sensible SUV alternatives like the
company's new Grand Vitara XL-7.

Available in either two or four-wheel drive, in four trim levels and
with one engine choice, XL-7's punchy ad campaign comes with the tag
line "It Fits," which applies to both its size and reasonable price.

OUTSIDE - From the B-pillar forward, the XL-7 version looks
identical to the standard Grand Vitara JLX. From there back, it's
longer, with more rear overhang and less wrap of the rear doors over the
wheel wells. Suzuki took a JLX, stretched the wheelbase by almost 13
inches and the overall length by over 19 inches and ended up with its
largest SUV ever. The rear side windows are full-size and the rear doors
are larger than the JLX, which facilitates easier entry into the back
seat. The cargo area is accessible by a swing-open door that uses a gas
strut for easy action. Styling changes are minimal: all Vitara models
get a restyled grille and some new colors, and Limited models have new
aluminum wheels and are fitted with side-step running boards.

INSIDE - The best feature of the Grand Vitara's stretch is the
addition of a third-row seat. It's not a very roomy place to spend much
time if you're an adult, but it's fine for kids. Climbing in back there
is made easier by the second-row seats, which fold forward and slide
fore and aft on tracks. The rearmost seat splits and folds flat, but it
can't be removed. It nonetheless provides 73 cubic feet of cargo
capacity with all rear seats folded. There are no perceivable design
flaws in the layout of the dashboard, as controls, switches and knobs
are logically-placed and simple to operate. The standard XL-7 models
come with air conditioning, power windows, outside mirrors and door
locks, cruise control, tilt steering and a rear wiper/washer. The Plus
model adds rear air conditioning, and an uplevel stereo. Stepping up to
the Touring version brings an even better stereo and a power sunroof.
Since the car we're evaluating this week is the top-line Limited model,
it was fitted with sumptuous leather upholstery.

ON THE ROAD - The XL-7 weighs around 550 pounds more than its
shorter sibling, so Suzuki added some horsepower to compensate. To
start, under XL-7's hood is an all-aluminum 2.7-liter V6 engine. It uses
dual overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder to produce 170
horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. Remembering that the XL-7
competes in an SUV segment where four cylinder engines are prevalent,
it's a welcomed addition to have V6 power. And to give it a bit of extra
punch off-the-line, the company lowered the ratio of its differential
gearing. Its four-wheel drive system is a part-time unit, however, so it
cannot be used on dry pavement. Many of its full-time 4WD competitors
have systems that automatically deliver extra traction anytime. The
XL-7's two-speed transfer case can be slipped into 4WD up to 60 mph, or
put into an ultra-low mode for more assertive off-roading.

BEHIND THE WHEEL - The XL-7 rides on a full-length frame, truck-like
and rigid. It goes against the current trend of using platforms based on
standard passenger cars, but Suzuki engineers say that full frames allow
for stiffer suspension mounting points, and with Grand Vitara's thick
steel side rails, the company's claim is true. There is no body flex
over washboard roads, and semi-serious off-roading produced no
noticeable jitters or jolts. Eight rubber insulators isolate the body
from the frame and tend to keep things vibration-free. The front
suspension consists of struts and lower control arms, with a solid rear
axle located by two trailing links and a Panhard rod. Both ends use coil
springs, while an anti-roll bar is used up front. Power rack-and-pinion
steering is standard and the brakes are discs up front and drums in the
rear, with an optional anti-lock braking system available.